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Women’s Month arrives in August, and Top Care Women’s Clinic is using the occasion to send a clear message to women throughout Gauteng: a safe termination of pregnancy belongs in a clinic and is a genuine medical procedure, never a strip of tablets passed over at a taxi rank. Registered as a legal service provider, …
In a first for Jetour South Africa, Hertz Southern Africa Dollar & Thrifty has added Jetour T2 Odyssey models to its rental fleet, with a more vehicles set to be delivered in the coming weeks. While the first T2 models have already been introduced into the rental fleet, the official handover was held this week …
South Africa's commercial and industrial sectors are facing a more complex infrastructure landscape, where energy security, rising costs, electricity market reform, decarbonisation and water resilience increasingly influence the same investment and operational decisions.
The C&I Energy + Storage Summit, taking place on 28 and 29 October 2026 in Johannesburg, will bring these issues together through a two-day programme focused on practical strategies for cost certainty, energy security and long-term industrial resilience.
Co-located with the Summit are the Energy Intensive Users Group Annual Conference and Water Security Africa Johannesburg, creating a broader meeting point for C&I energy users, major industrial consumers, municipalities, utilities, policymakers, financiers, project developers and technology providers.
Together, the three programmes will examine how businesses can respond to infrastructure constraints while remaining competitive, financeable and resilient.
C&I Energy + Storage Summit: from energy security to commercial optimisation
The C&I Energy + Storage Summit programme focuses on the decisions commercial and industrial energy users are making now, from managing electricity costs and securing supply to evaluating storage, renewable generation, wheeling and alternative procurement models.
Energy storage features prominently, with discussions moving beyond backup power to examine commercial value through peak shaving, tariff optimisation, energy arbitrage, renewable firming and hybrid PV-plus-BESS models.
The programme will also explore electricity market reform, public-private collaboration, alternative generation, energy efficiency and the practical steps required to move projects from strategy through financing, construction and operation.
A dedicated C&I decision clinic will give delegates the opportunity to submit real project challenges for expert guidance, including questions around onsite solar versus wheeled PPAs, appropriate battery sizing, project bankability, municipal engagement and financing requirements.
Featured contributors include Ncubeko April of Isuzu Motors South Africa, Nicky Louw of Scaw Metals South Africa and Melusi Tshabalala, CEO of Mesama Energy, alongside experts from finance, energy trading, utilities and the project development community.
Download the C&I Energy + Storage Summit programme (https://apo-opa.co/4hs3byU)
EIUG Conference: protecting South Africa's industrial competitiveness
Now in its third year and co-located with the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, the EIUG Conference brings together government, industry leaders, energy‑intensive consumers, and service providers to exchange perspectives, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and explore solutions for South Africa's energy future.
The two‑day programme features ministerial and industry keynotes, panel discussions on tariff escalation, carbon tax, CBAM, and electricity market reforms, as well as masterclasses on financing, digitalisation, grid security, and hydrogen development. Delegates will also benefit from networking functions, case study presentations, and practical workshops designed to accelerate the just energy transition.
Speakers include Dr Tebogo Makube, Acting Deputy Director General at the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Dr Grove Steyn, Managing Director of Meridian Economics, Muhammed Patel, Senior Economist at Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies, Rivoningo Mnisi, Group Executive at Eskom Green and Murendeni Matshinyatsimbi, Renewable Energy Manager at Sibanye-Stillwater.
The programme also features Nellis Bester, Chairperson of the Ferro Alloy Producers Association, Masopha Moshoeshoe, Advisor to the Minister of Electricity and Energy on Green Hydrogen, Shalendra Subramoney of the Minerals Council South Africa and Robbie Louw of Promethium Carbon.
“The EIUG Conference is more than a gathering – it is a platform to shape South Africa's industrial energy future,” says Fanele Mondi, EIUG CEO. “By bringing together government, industry, and service providers, we aim to foster open dialogue and practical solutions that support competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience.”
Download the EIUG Conference programme (https://apo-opa.co/4g4yAVF)
Water Security Africa Johannesburg: resilience beyond electricity
Water Security Africa Johannesburg, also co-located with the C&I Energy + Storage Summit, extends the conversation beyond electricity to another critical constraint on industrial growth: reliable water supply.
The programme has been developed around the realities facing commercial and industrial water users, including ageing infrastructure, unreliable municipal supply, climate pressures, rising costs and regulatory reform.
Its 2026 focus moves from identifying water risk towards implementing solutions, with emphasis on industrial water resilience, alternative supply, reuse and recycling, non-revenue water reduction, municipal infrastructure recovery and smarter water management.
Digitalisation is a major theme, including smart water systems, digital twins, artificial intelligence and predictive analytics.
Sector-focused conversations will explore water stewardship across food, beverage and agriculture, water-resilient buildings and precincts, and the growing opportunity to transform wastewater into a strategic resource through reuse, resource recovery and circular water systems
Download the Water Security Africa Johannesburg programme (https://apo-opa.co/4genMV7)
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group.
About C&I Energy + Storage Summit Johannesburg:
In its third year, the C&I Summit is a platform to unlock investment and speed up localisation, helping South Africa's energy-intensive sectors build resilience through innovation and resource security. https://apo-opa.co/4zeivWn
About VUKA Group:
VUKA Group connects people and organisations to information and each other across Africa's energy, mining, infrastructure, mobility, green economy and technology sectors via events, content and networking. It helps businesses navigate markets, build connections and achieve sustainable success. www.WeAreVUKA.com
And SAPS is paying nearly R40-million a month to rent premises in the city centre
Johannesburg, South Africa: Barton Insurance Brokers is urging South African motorists to ensure they are legally licensed to tow their trailers, warning that many drivers may be unaware of the licensing requirements that apply to heavier caravans, camping trailers and off-road trailers. Following growing discussions around Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) compliance, Barton Insurance Brokers says the …
Responsible pet guardianship is key to ending animal homelessness in South Africa. Cape Town, 13 August 2026 – Ahead of International Homeless Animals Day, observed annually on 15 August 2026, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS is calling on South Africans and local government to recognise that responsible pet guardianship remains one of the most …
The Seychelles delegation, led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Ambassador Barry Faure, participated in the Council of Ministers meeting of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), held in Durban, Republic of South Africa, ahead of the 46th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government.
Addressing the Council on the impact of ongoing global geopolitical developments, the Minister outlined Seychelles' response to shield its economy and citizens from the shocks stemming from the conflict in the Middle East.
The Minister drew attention to Seychelles' particular exposure as an import-reliant country and cautioned that forecast El Niño conditions could compound pressures pertaining to food security. To face these challenges, the Minister called for the region to strengthen collective preparedness and to pursue more ambitious intra-SADC trade, highlighting the need for increased connectivity and the complementary strengths of continental Member States and island States.
As the current geopolitical events modify global shipping routes, Minister Faure reminded the Council that, while it may represent an opportunity for the region, SADC Member States have the responsibility to increase their efforts towards preserving maritime security.
During the opening of the meeting, the Outgoing Chairperson of the Council, Honourable Professor Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Zimbabwe, handed over the SADC Council of Ministers Chairpersonship to Honourable Mr Ronald Lamola, MP, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa. The new Chair headed the Council as it examined a host of almost 80 Decisions that had been prepared by the Meeting of Senior Officials.
The Council of Ministers is one of the preceding meetings of the 46th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government, to which the President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie, will be of attendance
The Minister was accompanied by Mrs. Veronique Morel, Acting Head of Mission at the Seychelles High Commission in South Africa, Ms. Elia Savy, Third Secretary, and Ms. Deerah Dufrene, Protocol officer.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Republic of Seychelles.
South African businesses and property managers routinely deal with a maintenance problem that can be easy to overlook: properties require many different types of services, but the need for each specialist may be occasional. A building might need cleaning one day, plumbing the next, electrical work later in the month and a handyman, painter, landscaper …
Hundreds of young people parade in bird costumes
ActionSA North West notes Premier Lazarus Mokgosi’s latest reshuffle of the Provincial Executive, with Dr Desbo Mohono appointed MEC for Education, Wessels Morweng moved to Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, and Virginia Tlhapi taking over Community Safety and Transport Management.
The post ActionSA North West Demands Action, Not Another Provincial Reshuffle appeared first on ActionSA.
South African retailer Shoprite Holdings expects its annual headline earnings to increase by as much as 14.7%, supported by steady […]
Crises that add up on top of each other have to be addressed in an integrated way.
We contacted 12 schools and not one of them is still running the programme
ActionSA Johannesburg will be heading to the Public Protector to lodge a complaint against the City of Johannesburg pertaining to the unjustified delay in handing over the Johannesburg International Transport Interchange (JITI) to its intended beneficiaries.
The post ActionSA to Approach Public Protector Over JITI Issue appeared first on ActionSA.
Wednesday, 12 August 2026: Eskom has mobilised additional technical resources across several provinces following electricity supply disruptions caused by severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, snowfall, strong winds and extreme cold. KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and the Free State are among the provinces that have experienced weather-related faults and damage to electricity infrastructure. The severe weather has...
The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration today welcomed the Public Service Commission's (PSC) efforts to provide clarity on the participation of public servants in political party study groups and stressed that the guidance must be supported by monitoring and clear institutional controls.
The committee has been vocal in emphasising that legitimate interaction between political leadership and the administration must not blur the constitutional requirement for a professional and impartial public service. The PSC on Wednesday briefed the committee on its Advisory Note on the Participation of Public Servants in Political Party “Study Groups” and Related Informal Engagements. The Commission also presented its Good Practice Guide on Executive Recruitment in the Public Sector and the Use of Technical Experts.
The PSC told the committee that political parties may lawfully maintain internal caucuses and study groups for political and parliamentary coordination. Its concern, however, arises where public servants participate in informal party-political structures discussing official government business outside formal governmental or parliamentary processes. The Commission told the committee that there is no constitutional or legislative prescript authorising such participation outside formal processes.
The committee noted the important distinction the Commission draws between inappropriate political-party engagement and legitimate interaction between political leaders and officials. The PSC recognises that interaction between political leadership and the administration is necessary and constitutionally contemplated, provided it takes place through authorised, transparent and accountable structures.
The committee Chairperson, Mr Jan de Villiers, said the issue is not whether political parties are entitled to establish internal study groups, “but it is clear from the published PSC note that public service members must not attend these meetings as they compromise the objectivity, professionalism and apolitical nature of public service members as envisaged in section 195 of the Constitution.”
Mr de Villiers said this distinction is particularly important because public servants must be able to provide professional and technical advice to political office-bearers without becoming politically aligned. He also highlighted an additional risk – the possibility of political pressure or intimidation associated with officials attending partisan political forums. He cautioned that an official attending a partisan political meeting could be exposed to subtle or overt pressure arising from the influence political office-bearers may have over that official's career. Even where no such pressure is applied, institutional arrangements should avoid placing professional officials in a position where that risk can arise, the Chairperson said.
The PSC identified several governance risks, including the erosion of administrative impartiality, real or perceived political bias, unequal access to government information and the undermining of multiparty parliamentary oversight. The Commission emphasised that even where improper conduct cannot be established, the perception of political alignment can itself damage confidence in the integrity of public administration.
Committee members welcomed the clarity provided but had questions relating to implementation of the Advisory Note and sought more detail on how compliance will be monitored. They also wanted to know whether the PSC has assessed any study-group engagements since issuing the Advisory Note and what consequences will follow in cases of non-compliance. Another concern related to how lower-ranking officials will be protected if instructed by senior officials or executive authorities to attend inappropriate engagements and how directors-general and heads of department will be held accountable for managing the political–administrative interface. Several committee members were also interested in how this will work in an environment of coalition and multiparty government, and how departments can distinguish legitimate multiparty executive engagement from informal partisan political activity.
The committee stressed that monitoring of compliance will be important in determining whether the Advisory Note produces meaningful changes in practice. The PSC informed the committee that it intends to continue assessing risks at the political–administrative interface through departmental engagements, targeted assessments, risk-based sampling, oversight inspections and integrity and ethics monitoring.
Committee members also welcomed the PSC's Good Practice Guide on Executive Recruitment and its work to establish a pool of independent technical experts to participate in the recruitment of senior executives. The Guide seeks to strengthen executive recruitment processes, promote merit-based appointments and encourage the involvement of independent technical expertise in the assessment of candidates for senior leadership positions.
Mr de Villiers stressed that when departments interfere in recruitment, disregard merit or fail to appoint people capable of doing the work, ordinary South Africans ultimately pay the price through failing public services, with the greatest impact often falling on those who are most dependent on the state. He also encouraged the PSC to explore closer collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs around its digitisation programme and secure identity systems. He noted that stronger digital identification could assist with the verification of applicants and their qualifications as well as help address problems such as ghost employees.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
12 August 2026 – Sasol Banyana Banyana have vowed to bring their A Game when they face Nigeria in a crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier play-off at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca on Thursday. The two nations were knocked out of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) in the quarterfinals,
The post Banyana say there is no margin for error when they face Nigeria in World Cup play-off clash appeared first on South African Football Association.
Joekels professional tea taster, Hlengiwe Gcabashe, shares the simple secrets to brewing the perfect cup of tea every time! Whether it’s your morning cup of black tea or a relaxing evening mug of Rooibos, few things are more disappointing than a cup of tea that’s just not quite right. According to Joekels’ professional tea taster …
Magistrate dismisses application by Point Road families
The Department of Local Government, through its Sub-Directorate, Fire and Rescue Services, has officially handed over hazardous materials hazmat firefighting equipment to Overstrand Municipality, strengthening the municipality's capacity to respond to incidents involving dangerous goods.
The equipment, purchased through the Fire Service Capacity Building Grant, represents a provincial investment of R500 000 in emergency response capacity. Overstrand Municipality further contributed R74 286.31, bringing the total expenditure on the equipment to R574 286.31.
The initiative forms part of the Department's efforts to strengthen provincial resilience and ensure that municipal fire and rescue services are adequately prepared to respond to incidents involving hazardous materials. The transportation, storage and processing of dangerous goods can pose significant risks to communities, particularly where specialised chemical, biological and radioactive detection and mitigation capabilities are limited. The executive mayor of Overstrand municipality cllr Archie Klass he said today was not simply about the handing over of equipment. It is about building capacity, strengthening partnerships and ensuring that the Overstrand Municipality is better equipped to protect lives, property and livelihoods when emergencies occur.
He further said for our firefighters, protective equipment is not a luxury. It is an essential part of ensuring that they can safely enter dangerous environments and carry out their duties effectively. “For our firefighters, protective equipment is not a luxury. It is an essential part of ensuring that they can safely enter dangerous environments and carry out their duties effectively.” Said mayor.
The thermal imaging camera, in particular, will enhance the ability of our teams to identify heat sources and locate persons during fire and rescue operations, especially in conditions where visibility is severely compromised.
The thermal imaging camera, in particular, will enhance the ability of our teams to identify heat sources and locate persons during fire and rescue operations, especially in conditions where visibility is severely compromised.
Dr Moses Khangale of Santam's Western Cape region said during the handover of fire and rescue equipment to the Overstrand Municipality that Santam provides support to 110 municipalities across South Africa, with the Overstrand Municipality being one of them.
He said Santam has a strong footprint in the Western Cape and wants to continue building its strategic partnership with municipalities, particularly because Santam has a large client base in the province.
Dr Khangale emphasised the importance of collaboration, saying that stakeholders should work together rather than against each other. He also urged the municipality to take good care of the equipment, noting that it is expensive and plays an important role in protecting lives and property.
Western Cape Disaster management deputy director Mr. Etienne du Toit represented the department highlighted the Western Cape Government's continued commitment to strengthening municipal fire and rescue services during the hand over of hazardous materials equipment valued R 500.000 to Overstrand municipality. Mr Du Toit emphasised that an effective fire service rests on four pillars people, equipment, systems and partnership. “The provincial fire safety officer development programme invests approximately R1.2 million annually, equating to almost R 300.000 per student' he said.
He also acknowledges the leadership and continued support of Minister Anton Bredell, who commitment has been instrumental in advancing these programmes and strengthening fire and rescue capacity across the Western cape. He said.
The equipment acquired by Overstrand Fire and Rescue Services includes Class A responder suits in sizes L and M, splash suits in sizes L and M, a thermal imaging camera, 210-litre over-drums, lane demarcation cones and firefighting gloves.
The investment will enhance the ability of firefighters to operate safely and effectively when responding to hazardous materials incidents, while supporting the broader objective of protecting communities, emergency personnel and the environment.
The Department of Local Government remains committed to supporting municipalities in building sustainable and resilient fire and rescue services through targeted capacity-building initiatives, specialised equipment and ongoing preparedness for foreseeable emergencies.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Statement by Adrian Roos MP – DA Spokesperson on Home Affairs: Today’s launch of South Africa’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a major step forward, making our country easier to visit, while strengthening the security of our borders. Under Minister of Home Affairs the DA’s Dr Leon Schreiber, South Africa is replacing slow, paper-based visa …
Clearwater Mall’s Made in India Market is back for a third instalment, running from 8 to 23 August in the Upper Mall Level Parking Area. First launched in August last year and back again this March, the market returns with the smell of sizzling Indian street food, racks of colourful fashion and stalls of handmade …
Women transforming animal welfare through policy, care and community impact. Cape Town, 12 August 2026 – As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month, FOUR PAWS is recognising the critical role women play in tackling the country’s animal welfare challenges through both policy-driven advocacy and hands-on care that delivers lasting impact for animals and communities. In a …